Greece

Hymn to Liberty

Ὕμνος εἰς τὴν Ἐλευθερίαν

About:

The Greek anthem is adapted from a poem by Dionýsios Solomós which is 158 verses long. As such, the Greek anthem is the longest in the world, though it is almost always performed as an abridged work, using the first two verses of the poem. The song is also one of two anthems of Cyprus, split between Greek and Turkish communities.

The Hymn to Liberty is performed at the closing ceremony of every Olympic games, in recognition of Greece as the birthplace of the Olympics.

I shall always recognize you
by the dreadful sword you hold
as the Earth with searching vision
you survey with spirit bold
From the Greeks of old whose dying
brought to life and spirit free
now with ancient valour rising
let us hail you, oh Liberty!